An Unusual Woodworker and his Work

While visiting my youngest son Mark and his Sofie in Sweden this last summer, we saw a charming corner cabinet in their kitchen that was made by Sofies father about 25 years ago. The interesting part is that he hates woodworking and just did it to make some extra money needed for his young family at the time. Just goes to show that having a talent for something does not necessarily mean a person likes to do it.

Sofie made the comment that the crossing lines on the side and bottom of the bottom door were an 80’s thing and not compatible with the traditional design of the cabinet. She’s right about that, but I like it anyway and I thought some might be amused by the idea of a good woodworker who didn’t like woodworking.

I found out about this dislike while he was building my kids new garage. I guess he just can’t escape it!

This was the garage they had when they bought the house a couple of years ago. This was taken during our first visit last year while they were putting on a new roof. I think the house was built in the early 50’s and the carport in the early 60’s. The house is not luxurious inside, but very nice and comfortable. They are improving it a little at a time. I have been helping them inside during our visits and Sofie’s dad has to drive from his home about 1-1/2 hours away to come work on the garage. Of course I told him that I have to drive over 1,000 miles to help out, lol. He had to leave it unfinished in October because it starts to snow in November there. He will be finishing it up in late spring next year.

They live about 7 miles from the nearest town. Luckily the local government decided to install a fiber optics internet/tv cable system and they will finally have a decent internet connection before Christmas. We currently use the face time apple system to keep in touch with them, but the picture quality really sucks and we get cut off all the time.

I have to wonder if he really hates it or just likes to complain about doing it for someone else. LOL Maybe some compliments about his good work would improve his attitude. Nice cabinet. Interesting story.

No Ken, he really doesn’t much like it, but he does it when something needs doing. It’s never been a hobby thing for him. He likes best to work on his Saab cars. I think he has four or five of them. He’s a nice and bright guy and he can do a lot of different things very well. If he lived in southern Sweden which has a much better economy he would probably be the CEO of an engineering company.

Hi Mike: Sofie’s father sounds like the traditional Jack of All Trades … back in the day where if you wanted something done, you did it yourself! I love that adorable corner cabinet, which will in time be handed down the line as a treasured heirloom. Their sweet home in the country really appeals to me. An interesting peak into family life … thanks Mike!!